The federal government released a new plan yesterday outlining how Canadians can do their part.
Key elements of the federal plan to reduce emissions:

Establish emission-reduction targets for large industrial emitters, with a regulatory and financial backstop to encourage a shift to lower-emissions technologies and energy sources, and with a system of trading emissions credits.

Work with auto makers to improve new vehicle efficiency by 25 per cent by 2010.

Invest to increase the use of public transit. Increase use of gasoline containing ethanol to 35 per cent of the market.

Expand cost-sharing of home energy audits for homeowners.

Work toward having energy efficient retrofits of 20 per cent of homes and 20 per cent of commercial and industrial buildings by 2010.

Build homes to R2000 standards by 2010, and commercial and institutional buildings to 25 per cent above the model national energy code by 2010.

Persuade consumers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by one tonne each per year.
Tips for consumers:

Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Use ethanol blend gasoline.

Cut car use by 10 per cent.

Reduce idling.

Retrofit older homes so they are more energy efficient.

Buy an R2000 home that uses 30 per cent less energy than conventional homes.

Turn work computers off at night.

Lower thermostat at night and when no one is home.

Use more energy-efficient printers, computers and photocopiers that shut off automatically.
Sources of personal greenhouse-gas emissions:

Passenger vehicles and trucks      49.9%


Space heating                      28.7%


Water heating                      11.1%


Appliances                          7.5%


Lighting                            2.4%


Space cooling                       0.3%